Golf tournament preserves legacy, awards deserving Airmen scholarships

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Chelsea Smith
  • 514th Air Mobility Wing public affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST --  Freedom Wing members and distinguished guests strapped on their golf shoes to support the 11th annual Senior Airman Kevin L. White Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament held Aug. 23 at the Falcon Creek Golf Course.

115 people dressed in their finest sports apparel gathered to honor the memory of former 514th Security Forces Squadron member, Senior Airman Kevin L. White, who tragically died in an accident while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in 2003.

Each year scholarships are awarded in his memory to deserving Airmen pursuing their undergraduate educations.

This year's scholarship winners included four outstanding Senior Airmen - Joel Cruz of the 514th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Ashley Gonzalez of the 514th Aeromedical Staging Squadron, Rachel Hollinger of the 514th Civil Engineering Squadron, and Ariana Petrycki of the 732nd Airlift Squadron. Each will receive a $1000 scholarship towards the completion of their undergraduate degree.

Cruz, a forensic science major at John Jay College in Manhattan, said he came across the solicitation for applications online and decided to apply.

"I didn't expect to receive the scholarship because I imagined it was going to be very competitive," he said. "Nonetheless, I'm very grateful to be a recipient. I plan to use the funds towards school books and lab fees come Fall."

Applications are generally submitted up to eight months in advance to members of the 514th Career Advisor Council and evaluated on merits such as grade point average and recommendation from the unit member's squadron commander, said Master Sgt. Tanowa Watson, 514th Career Advisor Council president.

Funds generated from local businesses and organizations help sponsor the tournament and are allocated towards scholarship awards. This year, nearly $11,000 was raised, said Watson.

The tournament's top two sponsors included Signature Systems, Inc., donating $2,000 and White's Apartments donating $1,000. Notable sponsors also included Trinity Church, UBS Financial Services, Inc., Andrews Federal Credit Union, Dubh Linn Square, and Jester's Restaurant and Bar.

Duffle bags sponsored by Signature Systems, Inc. were given to tournament participants and door prizes such as gift bags, gift cards and recreational items were raffled off to lucky winners.

"It's a daunting task to organize this event," said Watson. "But we're very fortunate to have the support of local businesses and community members to help pull out an event that's held for such a worthy cause."

The tournament's closing festivities included an evening banquet recognizing scholarship winners, sponsors and volunteers.

Delivering a heartfelt speech was a gentleman wearing many hats. Sponsor, distinguished guest, former Freedom Wing command chief, and most importantly, father of the honoree, retired Chief Master Sgt. John White said he was overwhelmed and grateful by the outpouring of support that continues to grow each year.

"It is wonderful to keep his memory alive through an outlet that will benefit others," said White. "I'm very appreciative to all the organizers who work to keep my son's legacy alive. It's a joyous occasion to reconnect with old and new friends and be a part of something that substantially helps others." 

White, a criminal justice major at West Chester University in Pennsylvania, was in the process of completing his undergraduate degree when he enlisted in the Air Force Reserves immediately following the Sept. 11 attacks.

In honor of his dedication and duty to country, the 514th AMW Career Advisor Council and SFS created the memorial golf tournament and scholarship fund in 2003, awarding scholarships to the next generation of Airmen following in the footsteps of White.